Democrats

Specter Becoming a Pariah?

Date: May 6, 2009
Author: Bob Griendling
Categories: Democrats, Reid

You have to wonder who looks more foolish in this saga – Sen. Arlen “I Never Said I Was a Loyal Democrat” Specter or Sen. Harry “I Never Promised You Anything” Reid.

After the Democratic caucus rebelled, the Senate striped Specter of his seniority.  He’ll sit at the ends of committee daises.  Maybe there is a method in the madness that is Reid.  Maybe he planned it just this way.

In the end, aides, it was a no-brainer to strip Specter of his seniority: Specter is now a Democrat and has no choice but to try to ingratiate himself with the Democratic Caucus if he wants to retain his seniority after this Congress.

Nah.  I don’t think Reid has the capability to be that creative.  But as for Specter…

Specter tried to make some amends with members of his new party Tuesday. After word leaked out that he’d told The New York Times that the courts in Minnesota should “do justice” and name Republican Norm Coleman the winner over Democrat Al Franken, Specter backpedaled, telling CQ that he had “conclusively misspoke” in “the swirl of moving from one caucus to another.” (emphasis added)

What appears to be swirling in Specter’s head are misfiring synapses.  Did he forget to take his Cholinesterase or Memantine?  By the time the 2010 Democratic primary rolls around, he’s likely to forget to campaign – or even vote.

Specter vs. Sestak Revisited

Date: May 3, 2009
Author: Bob Griendling
Categories: Democrats

After seeing Congressman Joe Sestak on “Hardball” Friday, I don’t think he’s going to play “bad cop” to keep Arlen Specter in line as a Democrat.

And then today on Meet The Press, Specter says he’s “not a loyal Democrat.”  What the hell do we need this guy for?

Specter vs. Sestak?

Date: May 1, 2009
Author: Bob Griendling
Categories: Democrats

If President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid raise money for Arlen Specter’s 2010 Senate campaign, I can’t really imagine second termer Rep. Joe Sestak running successfully for the nomination.  But I’d be curious about the back story here. 

The House Democrat said he would look closely at Specter’s policy statements and how he votes over the next few months before deciding whether to take him on.

“What’s he running for?” said Sestak. “There are critical issues facing our nation, from healthcare to how do we take care of education.

“Now, if he’s for the right things we might end up with the right candidate but for me it’s a wait-and-see.”

Let’s play politics.  Sestak is the voice of the Democratic base over the next year keeping Specter’s feet to the fire.  If the Dems were smart, they’d let Sestak keep a high profile and play the maverick.  He likes the role. 

Sestak is beginning to position himself as an outsider, a candidate not in lockstep with the wishes of party leaders in Washington.

The lawmaker recalled that when he first ran for Congress, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had already settled on another candidate and tried to stop him from running.

Sestak said he told political strategists in Washington at the time that he did not think he needed their permission to run.

“I think this just comes down to what’s best for Pennsylvanians, and boy are we independent.”

If in a year from now Specter has been more of a problem than a help, Obama and Reid can back off on their pledge to help Specter at all costs.

But I suspect, all they want is Specter’s vote on key issues, like this one.